Viking River Cruise, Paris to the French Riviera

Viking River Cruise & Tour from Paris to the French Riviera

 

Wednesday, June 24 – Wednesday, July 8, 2026

 

Explore France from Paris to the French Riviera on this 15-day trip that includes a three-night pre-cruise extension in Paris, a two-hour journey through the French countryside aboard a high-speed train, an eight-day Rhone River Cruise, and a three-night post-cruise tour on the French Riviera!

Excite your palate in Lyon, the capital of French gastronomy, savor local wines in the Provence of Beaujolais, hunt for truffles, see how chèvre cheese is made, and witness the beauty that inspired artists like Cézanne and Chagall. We’ll sail along the scenic Rhône River through the French countryside and discover Roman Provence at Les Arènes d’Arles and the Pont du Gard. Explore the world’s largest Gothic palace at Avignon’s Grand Palace of the Popes.

 

Day 1 – Overnight flight to Paris. Transfers from our Cape Cod pickup spots to Logan Airport will be available.

 

Day 2 - Transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Paris so you can make the most of your visit. Our hotel for three nights is the ultra-modern Pullman Paris Montparnasse, which boasts stunning views from the highest open-air rooftop in Paris.

 

Day 3 – PARIS - Enjoy a guided city tour of Paris and take in the sights of the romantic “City of Light.” Travel along the famed Champs-Élysées, viewing the landmark Eiffel Tower and passing many classic highlights, such as the École Militaire (Military School), Musée D’Orsay and Opéra Garnier. Stop at the Latin Quarter and see the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as the modern additions to the city’s architecture. (B)

 

Day 4 – DAY AT LEISURE IN PARIS - You have a full day to further explore the city. Stroll through Montmartre, shop along the Champs-Élysées, ride up to the top of the Eiffel Tower and sample some of the famous French cuisine. You might like to take a Seine cruise on board a bâteau-mouche this evening to see some of the city’s landmarks and lovely bridges. (B)

 

Day 5 – HIGH SPEED RAIL TO LYON & BOARD THE VIKING SHIP BURI - After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the Gare de Lyon railway station. Board SNCF’s TGV high-speed train and enjoy a scenic two-hour journey through the French countryside to Lyon. Upon arrival, a Viking Representative will escort you to your ship to begin your river cruise. Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Lyon straddles the Rhône and Saône Rivers. After Paris, it is considered the country’s most significant cultural center. Amid a cityscape of red-roofed buildings, tree-lined boulevards and riverside promenades, the cobblestone streets of Old Lyon host a rich collection of Renaissance architecture and intimate traboules, unique passageways through buildings that connect adjacent streets, all of it overlooked by the grand basilica atop Fourvière Hill. The city also boasts a wealth of outstanding museums, cultural treasures and excellent Lyonnaise eateries. (B)

 

Day 6 – LYON - Savor the best of French cuisine in this gastronomic capital; sample a local signature dish. One of Europe’s densest concentrations of urban Renaissance buildings, Old Lyon is pure pleasure to explore. The dwellings of this UNESCO site date back to the city’s silk weaving success during the 15th century, when Italian merchants and bankers put their profits into building town houses; today some of their elegant residences house museums. St. Jean Cathedral lies in the heart of Old Lyon and is a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It has weathered periods of political turmoil and religious wars and is one of the city’s most prominent symbols.

Included excursion

· Panoramic Lyon

Optional Excursion: Timeless Town of Perouges

 

Day 7 – LYON - Explore the medieval province of Beaujolais, dotted with vineyards and small villages. Lyon is known as the food capital of France. It is not uncommon for well-heeled Parisians to travel to Lyon for dinner. The city is surrounded by towns and villages that produce excellent fresh produce, and gastronomic outlets are plentiful here. The great chefs of Lyon enjoy celebrity status, whether they prepare classic recipes the traditional way or elevate them with their own signature touches. Their delicious meals may be paired with a glass of light, fruity Beaujolais from the north or a bold Rhône red from the south.

Included Excursion:

· Beaujolais Wine Country

Optional Excursions:

· Beaujolais and Truffles

· Flavors of Lyon.

 

DAY 8 – VIENNE - Learn about the city’s rich Roman past; view the amphitheater and Temple of Augustus & Livia. Situated between France’s Burgundy and Beaujolais regions, Vienne is the gateway to Lyon’s countryside. It is one of the oldest towns in France, with a history that can be traced through its architecture. Among its Roman remains and artifacts, the Roman Temple of Augustus & Livia dates back to the 1st century AD. Its Roman amphitheater, nestled in the hills of Mont Pipet, is one of the best preserved in the nation. Vienne also boasts remarkably preserved medieval buildings and market ruins. Other landmarks include the Abbey of Saint Pierre and the Church of Saint-André-le-Bas.

Included excursion:

· Vienne Walking Tour

Scenic Sailing: Rhône River - Journey past dramatic landscapes along the Rhône River and admire terraced vineyards. The lure of fine cuisine, charming villages and breathtaking vistas is never-ending along the Rhône River. Journey along this graceful waterway, meandering past vine-clad banks, and incredibly preserved echoes of medieval times and the days of the Roman Empire. The several locks through which the ship passes have helped to tame its waters, once unnavigable because of rapids, shallows and whirlpools. Today, a voyage along this stretch is a pleasant, gentle experience, surrounded by the hills and soaring mountains of the Rhône Valley.

 

Day 9 - TOURNON - Ride on a nostalgic railway, the Train de l’Ardèche, to take in the verdant Doux Valley. Tournon lies secluded between the river and the vineyard-blanketed granite slopes that nurture fine vintages. An ancient castle, built snugly into a rock, overlooks the riverside setting. A settlement has perched on this hill since Celtic times, but the stunning views from its overlook have never changed. The name of its neighboring wine-producing region, Tain-l’Hermitage, comes from the hermit who planted vines here after returning from the Crusades. Today, his vines are awash in sunshine and produce a port-like wine and some stellar whites.

Included Excursion:

· Tournon Steam Train (Ride the Rails into an Untouched Wilderness),

Optional Excursions:

· Charming Ardèche (Lavender Museum, Gorges and a Cliffside Village)

 

Viviers, France - Explore this charming riverside village’s peaceful ambience amid its scenic mountain setting. The sleepy town of Viviers was founded during the 5th century. This former Roman settlement became a bishop’s seat, and conflicts during ensuing centuries required the town to be fortified. With the Renaissance came a more stable period of wealth that allowed many new houses to be built, including a fine example of the era that still stands, the Maison des Chevaliers. Some buildings date back to the Middle Ages, and time seems to stand still along the cobblestone streets of its Old Town, dominated by the 12th-century St. Vincent Cathedral with its beautiful windows.

Included Excursions:

· Viviers Walking Tour (A Relaxing Stroll Through a Charming Town)

 

Day 10 – ARLES - In the last days of the Roman Empire, Arles was the capital of Roman Gaul and boasts many Gallo-Roman ruins including Les Arènes; this ancient amphitheater seats 20,000 and is still used today for bullfights and plays. The town has an energetic feel, attracting farmers from the countryside to the frequent and famous Provençal market. It also enjoys a rich artistic heritage; the Mediterranean sunlight here inspired legendary Impressionist Vincent van Gogh to paint a number of works. Many of Arles’s sights are immortalized in his paintings.

Included Excursion:

· Arles Walking Tour (City of Rome, City of Art),

Optional Excursions:

· Unspoiled Camargue & Architectural Gems (See the wetlands and farms of France’s protected Rhône River Delta region, and visit two of its celebrated towns)

· Delights of Provence (Visit a Family-Owned Operation and Taste Delicious Olive-Based Creations)

 

Day 11 – AVIGNON - Stroll the medieval city; see the Place de l’Horloge, Pont d’Avignon and Palace of the Popes. Avignon’s narrow streets are lined with churches and remarkable medieval buildings. This “City of Popes” was the papal seat for 70 years during the 14th century after the sitting pope abandoned Rome and fled here. The massive church-fortress Palais des Papes, or Palace of the Popes, was the center of the Christian world during that controversial period. It remains a work of Gothic splendor. Another of Avignon’s notable structures reaches into the Rhône, the ruins of the Pont d’Avignon. The 12th-century bridge, immortalized in folk song and dance, once spanned the river.

Included Excursion:

· Avignon Walk & Popes Palace

Optional Excursions:     

· Lavender Fields of Provence (Learn about the legendary lavender that graces the fields of Provence each summer on this fragrant tour.)

· Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tasting (Explore the town named for its “Pope’s New Castle,” its centuries-old vineyard and its superb wines)

· Pont du Garde Aquaduct (the magnificent three-tiered structure built without mortar by Romans 2,000 years ago)

· Canoe the Rhone River

 

Day 12 – NICE - After breakfast, we’ll disembark the ship and journey along the breathtaking Côte d’Azur, en route to our hotel. After check-in, you have free time to explore Nice. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, which extends along the beaches, discover the city’s romantic Old Town and watch the street performers on the Rue de France. Your evening is free to enjoy the city’s scenery, nightlife and distinctive cuisine. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time on the French Riviera so you can make the most of your visit. (B)

 

Day 13 – NICE – OPTIONAL MONACO EXCURSION - This morning, tour the charming Mediterranean city of Nice, beginning with a drive along the Promenade des Anglais followed by a visit to the Russian area and English Quarter. Take in the spectacular views from Mont Boron and cap your tour with a stroll through Old Nice. The rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own. This evening, you may join an optional tour to Monaco with dinner in the heart of the city. (B)

 

Day 14 – NICE - Today, walk along the famous beaches of Nice, relax at a boulevard café or perhaps do a bit of shopping. Your day is free to explore on your own. (B)

 

Day 15 – RETURN FLIGHT - After breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and proceed to the airport for our flight back to Boston. Funtastic Getaways will offer transfers back to our Cape Cod pickup spots. (B)

 

 

Please note: Our Viking Longship carries only 193 guests and has only 25 Standard Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 7 Veranda Suites, 2 Explorer Suites to sell. The cruise cabin categories are first-come-first-served, and they will sell out of a category about 1 year prior to the cruise.

 

Please be sure to deposit on the cruise early in order to get the category stateroom that you want!

 

Pricing:

 

Veranda Suite, Category AA

275 sq ft (includes private veranda), river-view suite with full-size veranda off a spacious, separate sitting room, and French Balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door) in sleeping quarters, 12 PM Embarkation, 12 PM priority stateroom access, Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections, Welcome champagne; mini-bar with wine, beer & soft drinks (replenished daily); daily fruit plate, Binoculars, Complimentary laundry & shoe shine services.

All rates are land only. 

Category AA: $10,372 per person, double occupancy, $20,744 single occupancy

 

Veranda Stateroom, Categories A & B:

205 sq ft (includes private veranda), river-view stateroom with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening to full-size veranda, 12 PM Embarkation, 3 PM stateroom access.

All rates are land only. 

Category A: $7,872 per person, double occupancy, $15,744 single occupancy

Category B: $7,672 per person, double occupancy, $15,344 single occupancy

 

French Balcony Stateroom, categories C & D:

135 sq ft river-view stateroom with French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door), 12 PM Embarkation, 3 PM stateroom access.

All rates are land only. 

Category C: $7,172 per person, double occupancy, $14,344 single occupancy

Category D: $6,972 per person, double occupancy, $13,944 single occupancy

 

Standard Stateroom, categories E & F:

150 sq ft river-view stateroom with half-height picture window, 12 PM Embarkation, 3 PM stateroom access.

All rates are land only. 

Category E: $5,772 per person, double occupancy, $11,544 single occupancy

Category F: $5,672 per person, double occupancy, $11,344 single occupancy

 

 

A deposit of $ 500 is required to book this trip

 

Package Includes:

 

Pre-Cruise extension: Three Nights at Pullman Paris Montparnasse, Paris, Three breakfasts, Guided tour of Paris, Viking Host available to assist with planning your at-leisure day, TGV train from Paris to Lyon

 

Seven-night Viking River Cruise: Daily Breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard, One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call, Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary), Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner, 24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water, Port taxes & fees, Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase, Visits to UNESCO Sites, Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

 

Post-Cruise Extension: Three nights at Le Meridien, Nice, three breakfasts, Guided Tour of Nice, Viking Host available to assist with planning your at-leisure day

 

ALL STATEROOMS INCLUDE:

All Staterooms have river views, Bottled water replenished daily, 110/220 volt outlets, Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows, Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror, Premium Freyja® toiletries, Plush robes & slippers (upon request), 40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more, Telephone, safe, refrigerator, Individual climate control, bottled water replenished daily, Stateroom steward & twice-daily housekeeping, Under-bed suitcase storage space, Roomy wardrobe with wooden hangers.

 

ALL PRICING DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE, LAND TOUR & CRUISE ONLY

 

Longship Buri

· 193 guests

· 53 crew

· Length 443 feet

· Year built – 2014

 

 

See individual stateroom categories for trip pricing. Please note: Viking Ships carry only 193 guests and have limited rooms to sell. The cruise cabins are first-come-first-served, and they will sell out of a category about 1 year prior to the cruise. Please be sure to deposit on the cruise early in order to be sure to get the category stateroom that you want!

 

Deposits and Payments

A deposit of $500 (plus Travel Protection if applicable) per person is required to confirm a stateroom. You are encouraged to send in deposits as soon as possible to guarantee your space.

Cabins are not held without a $500 per person deposit. Please call for insurance information.

 

Cancellations

Once deposit is received all cancellations/name changes will be assessed penalties based on the Viking Cruises cancelation policy.  Travel protection plan is highly recommended. Please call for pricing and details.

 

# Days Written Notice is                Cancellation fee

Received Prior to Departure        Per Passenger

 

120 or more                                       $100.00 US

119 to 90                                             20% of Full Fare

89 to 70                                               35% of Full Fare

69 to 50                                                50% of Full Fare

49 to 30                                               75% of Full Fare

29 or fewer                                        100% of Full Fare

 

Viking Air Plus

Our group will need to secure Viking Air Plus for the group so they can get the group together on the same flights. There may be an additional fee for this service. Without Viking Air Plus service, flights are scheduled through an automated system. Schedules are subject to availability and groups are not coordinated to travel together.

Air schedules are released 90 (ninety) days prior to departure. Current promotion is $799 per person for airfare. The Group Air Plus rate may be up to $ 150-200 additional.

 

Viking Cruise Lines Promotions:

Viking Cruise Lines offers many promotions throughout the year, some with discounted airfare, some with discounted deposits. Your deposit & airfare costs will be determined by the promotion that is in effect when you deposit on your cruise. Airfare pricing is not guaranteed until full payment is made for the airfare.

 

This trip requires a passport that expires at least 6 months after the cruise ends

Viking Longship Buri